Namibia’s prospects gain momentum
The Venus field could prove a game-changer for the country
Activity is gathering pace both onshore and offshore in Namibia—one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most promising and least developed upstream frontiers—with the highly significant Venus project leading the way. The long-awaited Venus-1X offshore exploratory well finally spudded at the start of December. TotalEnergies operates the Venus field with a 40pc stake in the wider block 2913B, while state-owned QatarEnergy holds 30pc, London-based independent Impact Oil and Gas has 20pc and Namibian state oil company Namcor has 10pc. Venus’ progress is being watched with particular interest by the wider industry. The field “is a world-class, basin-opening well which, if successful, could be transformative
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






